Capoten Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Captopril

Capoten is in a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It decreases certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. High blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Captopril also can help to treat heart failure and certain kidney disorders.

Capoten Dosage

• For High Blood Pressure, the usual starting dose is 25 milligrams taken 2 or 3 times a day.
• For Heart Failure, the usual dose is 25 milligrams taken 3 times a day. A daily dosage of 450 milligrams should not be exceeded.
• For Kidney Disease in Diabetes, the usual dose is 25 milligrams taken 3 times a day.

Uses of Capoten

• Capoten is used to lower blood pressure and to relieve symptoms of congestive heart failure including such as shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, to improve survival after a heart attack, and to prevent kidney disease in some diabetic patients.
• Captopril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Capoten

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Capoten. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• anemia
• angina pectoris (severe chest pain)
• blisters
• blurred vision
• breast development in males
• cardiac arrest
• changes in heart rhythm
• chest pain
• confusion
• constipation
• cough
• depression
• diarrhea
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• fever and chills

Warnings and precautions before taking Capoten:

• If you develop swelling of the face around your lips, tongue or throat or have difficulty swallowing, then you should stop taking Capoten and contact your doctor immediately.
• Capoten may cause you to become drowsy or less alert, especially if you are also taking a diuretic at the same time. If it has this effect on you, then driving or participating in any potentially hazardous activity is not recommended.
• If you develop a sore throat or fever then you should contact your doctor immediately. Because it could indicate a more serious illness.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Capoten, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Capoten medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Capoten with the following:

• Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
  
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
  
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
  
• Lithium (Lithonate)
  
• Nitroglycerin and similar heart medicines (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro, others)
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Indocin and Feldene
  
• Potassium preparations such as Micro-K and Slow-K
  

Overdose

When you are taking Capoten, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Capoten overdose may include:-

• extreme dizziness
• weakness
• fainting
• fatigue